Scenically set on a pretty stretch of Playa Dorada beach and just 15 kilometers from the Puerto Plata airport, Gran Ventana Beach Resort offers upscale amenities and lots of inclusions for all ages.

“I have clients just back from Gran Ventana and they loved it! They said the food, rooms and staff were amazing. It has a large activity pool with swim-up bar and there’s also a small pool with its own bar if you want to get away from it all. The resort is also within walking distance of many shops, as well as a disco. However, it is generally very quiet, so it mainly appeals to an older clientele.” — Marg Crowdis, Maritime Travel Agent, Charlotte Street, Sydney, NS

INSIDE LOOK

This resort is located within the Playa Dorada complex, so it’s nice and private.

Accommodations:

538 guest rooms are housed in three three-storey buildings

Junior suite:

Air-conditioning, 1 king or 2 double beds, full bathroom, hairdryer, coffee/tea-maker, in-room safe, mini-bar, telephone, desk/working area, balcony or terrace

What’s included:

Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, snacks, a la carte dinner (3/week; reservations required), unlimited domestic drinks, including wine with dinner, daily activities program, select non-motorized water sports, fitness center, tennis, evening entertainment

Little extras ($):

Scuba diving, medical services, gift shop, beauty salon, spa services, business center, golf nearby

For the little ones:

Kids club (ages 4 to 12), children’s pool, playground, babysitting ($).